Obituaries for Feb. 4, 2021

Carolyn Tolino Sandoval

WHITEHORSE LAKE, N.M. — Funeral services for Carolyn Tolino Sandoval, 72, were held Jan. 29 at the Seven Churches Pentecostal Church in Whitehorse Lake, New Mexico. She was laid to rest on the family plot.

Carolyn was born June 26, 1948, in Whitehorse Lake, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). Maternal grandparents are Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People) and paternal grandparents are ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People).

Carolyn graduated from Wingate High School in 1966 and attended San Juan College for cosmetology. She was employed as beautician at a salon in Farmington, worked as a dorm aid at Nenahnezad Boarding School, worked at APS Power Plant in Kirtland, served as a community health representative in Whitehorse Lake, served as chapter secretary at Whitehorse Lake Chapter, served as WIC supervisor in Whitehorse Lake, served on the Navajo Nation Peacemaking Program with the Crownpoint court systems, and served as the supervisor for Ojo Encino Senior Citizen Center.

Carolyn enjoyed watching old western movies, listening to Christian sermons, taking long drives with her grandchildren, talking on the phone with family and friends, joking and laughing with family and friends, eating grilled mutton, and helping and encouraging anyone in need.

Carolyn had the mindset of a queen and the heart of a warrior. She was emotional, yet the rock for many. Tired, but kept going. Worried, but was still full of hope. Impatient, yet patient. Overwhelmed, but never quit. Amazing, even though she had doubts. Wonderful, even in chaos. Life changer, every single day.

Carolyn taught her children and people who asked her for advice that you can rise up from anything. You can recreate yourself. Nothing is permanent. You are not stuck. You have choices. You can think new thoughts. You can learn something new. You can create new habits. All that matters is that you decide today, to never look back and never quit.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Debra L. Tolino, Sophia L. Casuse, Neilson O. Sandoval, and Nelita Sandoval; mother, Betty Betone; siblings, Susie Tolino, Marcus Tolino, Beverly Tolino, Geneva Tolino, Martina Yazzie, Earl Betone Jr., and Charlene Platero; and 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her father, Wayne Tolino; sister, Tonita Shorty; brother, Burton Tolino; and husband, Nelson Sandoval.

Condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 67, Crownpoint, NM 87313.

Warren Wesley Yazzie

BIXBY, Okla. — Funeral services for Warren Wesley “Wes” Yazzie, 45, of Bixby, Oklahoma, were held Jan. 27 at the Clearview Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with Gary Hawkins officiating. He was laid to rest at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, Oklahoma.

Wes was born Sept. 24, 1975, in Lawton, Oklahoma, into the Gonal Clan, born for the Wind Clan of the Muscogee Creek Nation and into the Tó’adeedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 21, 2021, in Bixby.

Wes was the son of Das and Margie (Coon) Yazzie, the grandson of Mary (Berryhill) and Arthur Coon Sr. of Sasakwa, Oklahoma, and Bessie (Burbank) and Frank Yazzie of Fish Point, Arizona.

Wes graduated from Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, and received his certificate in small engine repair from a career vocational school.

Wes’s passion for volleyball was born when he was 16 years old playing in the U.S. Volleyball Association with his dad as his teammate for over 20 years. He continued his love for the sport and became an avid player and was considered a well-respected teammate and referee.

Wes relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and worked with his dad at Diversa Graphic as a paper cutter, die-cutter, and forklift operator for five years before committing to be a full-time dad to his children. At the time of death, he was employed by Paragon Technologies in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

Wes’s spiritual life began at five years old when he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized by the late Johnny Buckner at El Reno Indian Baptist Church in El Reno, Oklahoma.

Wes had a magnetic personality as people were drawn to him through his genuine heart and good-natured character. His hobbies included spending time with his children, fishing, volleyball, camping, fixing cars, hunting, boxing, construction, weaponry, spending time with his brother and loved ones, and challenging his parents in dominoes.

Wes would go out of his way to help others and would give anything he had to help them, and he once said to his mom that he always put other people’s needs before himself. He never left without bestowing a kiss on his loved ones.

Wes is survived by his children, Isaac, Nevada and Lilee Yazzie of Bixby; parents, Das and Margie Yazzie of Coweta; fiancé, Jessica Armstrong and baby on the way; sister, Zena (Yazzie) Stafford of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; brother, Jerome Yazzie of Broken Arrow; and six nieces, eight nephews, two great-nieces, seven great-nephews, and numerous other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

Robert Elliot Kerr

MONTROSE, Colo. — Robert (Bob) Elliot Kerr, 77, passed into glory on Jan. 27 from complications of COVID-19 at Montrose Memorial Hospital in Montrose, Colorado. He was born Dec. 28, 1943, to Henry and Carol Kerr in Standish, Michigan.

Bob spent his childhood in Saginaw, Michigan, and graduated from Saginaw High School. Right after high school he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1962 until he was honorably discharged in 1965.

Bob lived in Rehoboth, New Mexico, for 28 years and worked at Rehoboth Christian School in the kitchen, doing maintenance and driving the bus, and also at Rehoboth Hospital. He lived in Denver for 15 years before moving to Montrose in 2018 to enjoy the small-town life.

Bob’s favorite mode of transportation was his motorcycle, which he rode almost every day, rain or shine. He retired in 2005 and loved nothing better than a motorcycle ride and a cappuccino.

Bob was a member of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church of Montrose. He was a humble, gentle, caring man who loved the Lord and made friends with everyone he met. He regularly attended AA meetings and talked easily with struggling people. He will be missed greatly.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis; daughters, Lynn (Eddie) Padilla of Medford, Oregon, and Jennifer (Merle) Bates of Gallup; brothers, Ken (Pat) and David (Joyce), both of Michigan; and four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Louis; and sisters, Leona and Ilene.

Donations may be made to: Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2705 Sunnyside Rd, Montrose CO 81401 or to Rehoboth Christian School, P.O. Box 41, Rehoboth NM 87322.

A virtual service will be live-streamed and recorded on Feb. 20, 2021. https://youtu.be/vrHJ-bDXGCU.

Angela Rose Scott

COALMINE, N.M. — Graveside service for Angela Rose Scott, 86, of Fort Defiance, is pending.

Angela was a homemaker. She was born in Coalmine, New Mexico, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Jan. 30, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Angela is survived by her sons, Roland Scott, Durando Scott and Juan Scott; daughter, Angie Scott; brother, George Gordy of Coalmine; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Angela is preceded in death by her husband, John Scott; son, Randolph Scott; father, Kee Gordy; and mother, Mary Gordy.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Marjorie Crosby

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Marjorie Crosby, 64, will be held today, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m., at Greer’s Mortuary in Winslow, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.

Marjorie was born Oct. 19, 1956, in Winslow, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nalí is Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan); cheii is Hashk’aa hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line). She passed away Jan. 23, 2021.

Marjorie attended Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, and retired from Phoenix Indian Medical Center after 35 years. She loved puzzles and enjoyed shopping, eating, and gambling.

Marjorie is survived by Betty Crosby, Minnie Roanhorse, Franos Crosby, Henry Crosby, Phillip Crosby, Mabel Crosby, Eleanor Leslie, Julia Pringle, and Myra Crosby.

Marjorie is preceded in death by Martin Crosby, Bryson Crosby, Kai Belone, George Crosby, and Freida Crosby.

Pallbearers will be Darrin M. Crosby, Brian Leslie, Darren Crosby, Louie Morgan Jr., and Boedine Morgan.

Greer’s Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Largo Sr.

GALLUP — Graveside service for Daniel Largo Sr., 64, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Daniel was born July 26, 1956, in Fort Defiance, into the Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Tsin sikaadnii (Clamp Tree Clan). His nalí is Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water); cheii is Zuni. He passed away Jan. 31, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Daniel attended school up to the 9^th grade and worked for Gallup McKinley County Schools where he retired after 24 years. He created D. Largo Rodeo Company and was a stock contractor and rancher who loved the Dallas Cowboys and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Betty Largo; sons, Marcus Yazzie, Devin Johnny Largo, Daniel Largo Jr., and Aaron Jeff Tsosie; daughters, Daniette Annie Largo and Danielle Ann Lynch; brothers, Gary Largo, Francis Largo, Howard Largo, Jason Largo, Johnny Largo Sr., and Shaniel Largo; sister, Alice Largo; and five grandchildren.

Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Johnny Largo Sr.; mother, Annie Charley Largo; brother, Jonavan Largo; sister, Antoinette Largo; grandfathers, Dan Charley and Wayne Largo; and grandmothers, Mary Charley ad Esther King Largo.

Honorary pallbearers are Devin Largo Sr., Devin Largo Jr., Daniel Largo Jr., Paul Jeff Lynch, Anderson Daniel Lynch, and Adrian Ivan Lynch.

Donations can be made to Rollie Mortuary in Daniel Largo Sr.’s name.

Zander R. Shirley Sr.

DEER SPRINGS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Zander R. Shirley Sr., 85, of Deer Springs, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Deer Springs, with Father Blaine Grein officiating.

Zander was born Feb. 7, 1935, in Chinle, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Jan. 27, 2021, in Deer Springs.

Zander received a GED and was employed at Navajo Forest Products Industries. He enjoyed attending/watching rodeos, watching western movies and NFL football games, attending Native American Church and singing NAC/Navajo traditional songs, traveling, and eating out at different places.

Zander is survived by his sons, Zander R. Shirley Jr. and Vernon J. Shirley; daughters, Virgilynn R. Denezpi and Rosanna Y. Shirley; brothers, Joe Shirley Jr., Gerald Shirley, Wilbur Shirley, Vincent Shirley, Tony Shirley, and Francis Shirley; sisters, Ruthie Kirk, Delvina Shirley and Mary Joe Shirley; and 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Zander is preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Shirley; sons, Lloyd Shirley and Elliot Shirley; mother, Margret Shirley; father, Joe Shirley Sr.; and grandsons, Rolando Shirley and Michael Shirley.

Pallbearers will be Jerrold Beyale, Rashaan Beyale, Elvis Shirley, Alonzo Begay, Demetrius Shirley, and Patrick Headley.

Honorary pallbearers are Vernon Shirley, Merle Denezpi, Lorenzo Sean Shirley, and Wesley Benally.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Shirley residence in Deer Springs, following service.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

David Lee Perry

GALLUP — Graveside service for David Lee Perry, 74, of Gamerco, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Feb. 12, at the Sunset Cemetery in Gallup, with Pastor Raymond Perry officiating.

David was born Nov. 25, 1946, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Dec. 29, 2020, in Gallup.

David attended Gallup High School and worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, and working on cars and trucks.

David is survived by his brother, Raymond Perry; and sisters, Linda Lee, Beatrice Perry, Evangeline Perry, and Josephine Perry.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Denetdale Perry; father, Alfred N. Perry Sr.; sister, Marie P. Perry; and brothers, Alfred Perry Jr. and Joseph W. Perry Sr.

Pallbearers will be Freddy Denetdale, Derrick Lee, Christian T. Perry, Jordan Thompson, Harold Light, and Matthew O. Perry.

Honorary pallbearer is Raymond Perry.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Franklin Dewey Hubbard

TEMPE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Franklin Dewey Hubbard, 68, of Tempe, Arizona, is pending.

Franklin was born June 20, 1962. He passed away Jan. 30, 2021, in Tempe.

Franklin attended Window Rock High School where he played basketball and served two years in the Air Force as Airman First Class. He was employed at Navajo Housing Authority and Window Rock School District as a warehouse supervisor.

Franklin, or Dewey, as most of his friends and family would know him, played drums for the Navajo Tribal Band for close to 20 years.

Franklin was married three times and is survived by his three children; brothers, Leigh Hubbard Jr. and Emery Hubbard; sister, Leah Hubbard; and 11 grandchildren.

Franklin is preceded in death by his father, Leigh Hubbard Sr.; mother, Dorothy Hubbard; and brother, Benjamin J. Hubbard.

A GoFundMe account has been set up (search under Franklin Dewey Hubbard Memorial Fund) to help his daughter and grandchildren cover funeral expenses.

Elliott Towne

CHINLE — Graveside service for Elliott Towne, 50, of Chinle, was held Feb. 3 at the Chinle community cemetery with Ben Begay officiating.

Elliott was born Sept. 9, 1970, at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Jan. 27, 2021, at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix.

Elliott graduated from Chinle High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Arizona State University. He worked several years in the Phoenix area as a graphic designer and later worked for the University of Phoenix as an evaluator for 10 years.

In addition, Elliott did freelance graphic design for various companies and recently began his own company, Elliott Artwrx and Design, LLC. He enjoyed creating designs on the computer by making brochures, cards, posters, and creating web designs.

Elliott was creative, smart, hardworking, and had a passion for making people laugh. He enjoyed listening to 80s music and watching science fiction movies like Star Trek and Star Wars.

Dear brother, friend and son, we will remember your kindness and smile in our hearts. You will be deeply missed.

Elliott is survived by his parents, Betty and Harvey Towne; brother, Phil Towne; sisters, Deborah and Cynthia Towne; and grandparents, Rose and George Guy Sr.

Elliott is preceded in death by his brother, Everett Towne.

Pallbearers were Elbert Guy, Karsten Draper, Eddie Draper, and Payton Tso.

Honorary pallbearers are Bill Guy, Harvey Towne, Phil Towne, and Alfred Guy.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Layton Brandon Eskeets

CHINLE — Graveside service for Layton Brandon Eskeets, 21, of Chinle, will be held Monday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., in Chinle, with Oscar White officiating.

Layton was born Sept. 26, 1999, in Chinle, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Jan. 31, 2021, in Phoenix.

Layton graduated from Chinle High School in 2019 and was a labor worker for Cooling Towers. He enjoyed rapping, playing basketball and spending time with his friends.

Layton is survived by his parents, Mildred Eskeets and Lavon Tso Sr.; brother, Zachary Eskeets; sisters, Rachelle Eskeets and LaShauna Eskeets; and grandmother, Shirley Teller.

Layton is preceded in death by his brother, Lance Eskeets.

Pallbearers will be Lavon Tso Jr., Randy Tso, Gerald Tracy, and Angelo Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers are Zachary Eskeets, Daniel Henio Jr., Lavon Tso Sr., and Micheal Teller.

A curbside drive-thru reception will take place at the Riverside House No. 154 in Chinle, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Lance Ryan Eskeets

CHINLE — Graveside service for Lance Ryan Eskeets, 17, of Chinle, will be held Monday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., in Chinle, with Oscar White officiating.

Lance was born April 16, 2003, in Chinle, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Jan. 31, 2021, in Phoenix.

Lance was currently a senior at Chinle High School. He enjoyed riding horses, playing games on his Xbox, playing basketball, and spending time with his niece and friends.

Lance is survived by his parents, Mildred Eskeets and Lavon Tso Sr.; brother, Zachary Eskeets; sisters, Rachelle Eskeets and LaShauna Eskeets; and grandmother, Shirley Teller.

Lance is preceded in death by his brother, Layton Eskeets.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Tracy, Lavon Tso Jr., Randy Tso, and Angelo Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers are Zachary Eskeets, Daniel Henio Jr., Lavon Tso Sr., and Micheal Teller.

A curbside drive-thru reception will take place at Riverside House No. 154 in Chinle, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.